Shoreham air crash memorial talks in early stages

Discussions have taken place about creating an official memorial to the victims of the Shoreham air crash.

Adur & Worthing Councils, West Sussex County Council, Sussex Police issued the following statement earlier today: “Following the Shoreham Airshow tragedy, early discussions have begun about the possibility of creating a fitting memorial. It is far too early to say what form that might take and obviously no decision would be made without the full consultation and support of the families who have lost loved ones.”

The air crash was the greatest loss of civilian life in this country since the 7/7 bombings. Eleven men died when a Hawker Hunter vintage aircraft crash onto the A27 during its display at the Shoreham Airshow, devastating their families, friends and the wider community.

On Tuesday, MP Tim Loughton chaired the first meeting of a group set up to organise a fitting memorial event to mark the tragedy. Representatives from the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA), the emergency services, local councils, police commissioner and Lord Lieutenant’s office were all present.

Lancing College has offered to host a memorial in its chapel to give the families and friends of the victims the opportunity to pay their respects together after the formal funerals have taken place, and to allow the many members of the emergency services members of the local community to be part of a formal memorial event.

Ross McWilliams, Mr Loughton’s parliamentary researcher, said: “There is a lot of work to be done, but the first priority is to be able to accommodate the wishes and suggestions of the family members. The panel will therefore not provide any more details until they have been properly consulted.”

The Sussex Foundation Fund has now exceeded £50,000 and Mr Loughton has agreed to serve on the panel tasked with deciding how grants are to be made.

The flowers on the Old Tollbridge continue to come and the council has agreed that they will remain there for as long as the public want them.

Mr Loughton also attend a meeting held by the Shoreham branch of RAFA on Monday, to express his sympathies to the charity.

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